Former footballer-turned journalist John Worrall, writing for The Australasian newspaper at the time, paid a fitting tribute to South Melbourne’s Jim Caldwell shortly after Souths’ 1918 premiership triumph.
“It is many years since a more gifted, all-round player or better captain has played the game than Caldwell,” Worrall wrote.
“Caldwell is fairness personified. Force, while a grand asset, forms no part of his equipment, he trusts his skill, pace, cleverness and judgement.”
It’s difficult to find a better portrayal of the man who was inducted into the Swans’ Hall of Fame at the 2015 Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner.
Caldwell was the 61st member to join the illustrious list on Wednesday night, preceding an emotional Tadhg Kennelly on stage at The Star Events Centre.
After joining South in 1909, Caldwell became an integral member of the side to string together 19 games and help the club finish on top of the ladder and ultimately win the flag.
Caldwell missed out on playing in the grand final and had to wait another nine years before enjoying premiership success.
The dashing centreman and wingman was given the captaincy before the start of the 1918 season and led South gallantly to a five-point win against Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Caldwell would play on for one more season before retiring, heading west to coach in Western Australia before a return to Melbourne and a stint with Carlton.
South Melbourne was always close to his heart however as Caldwell was eventually returned to Lake Oval in 1929 and was appointed head coach.
Unfortunately, Caldwell would stand down before season’s end and sadly passed away shortly after.
Jim Caldwell
Date of Birth: 11th August, 1888
Career: 1909 – 1919
Games: 155
Goals: 34
Honours: South Melbourne premiership side 1918, South Melbourne captain 1918 – 1919
